While Halloween – dressing up, going to parties and, of course, eating yummy treats — is an exciting time for kids and adults, it can also come with danger. This Halloween, don’t forget to choose safety first.
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blog post, on average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. “Children are at greater risk of injury than adults because they are small, have trouble judging distances and speeds, and have little to no experience with traffic rules,” the CDC notes.
For Those Going Out for Trick-or-Treat
In its “Halloween Rules of the Road” blog post, the CDC provides the following safety tips to help keep trick-or-treaters safe:
- Carry glow sticks or a flashlight with extra batteries so your trick-or-treater can see —and be seen — in the dark.
- Put reflective tape on clothes, costumes, and trick-or-treat bags so motorists can see your child.
- Cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection. Never cross from between parked cars.
- Stay on the sidewalk if one is available. Otherwise walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
- Pay attention and watch where you are going. Distracted walking can be as hazardous as distracted driving.
- Review basic traffic laws with your trick-or-treater before leaving the house.
For Motorists on Halloween
It’s critical for drivers to exercise caution. The CDC recommends these tips:
- Remove distractions. Put your phone in the glovebox or the back seat.
- Be cautious and stay alert to reduce your risk of getting into a crash. Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
- Pay attention to the speed limit and drive slower when you are around pedestrians.
- Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice. Trick-or-treaters might ignore crosswalks and traffic signals.
- Do not drive under the influence.
- Make sure children are properly buckled no matter how short the trip.
A Few More Tips
- Hand out some healthier items for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks.
- For party guests, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Examine all treats your child collects for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats your child (and you) eat.
Have a safe and healthy Halloween.